Chinese Napa Cabbage Soup Recipe

Introduction

This Chinese Napa Cabbage Soup is a light and comforting dish perfect for any day. Packed with fresh vegetables and subtle Asian flavors, it’s a simple soup that warms you up while nourishing your body.

Ingredients

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 4 cups vegetable stock
• 3 large leaves napa cabbage (sliced into 2-inch pieces, about 0.5lb/250g)
• 1 medium carrot (sliced)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon shaoxing wine
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat about a tablespoon of neutral oil in a Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. When hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Step 2: Add the sliced napa cabbage, carrot, and vegetable stock to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover with a lid and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
3. Step 3: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the soy sauce, shaoxing wine, and sesame oil. Taste and adjust soy sauce if needed. Serve the soup warm.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra protein boost, add tofu cubes or shredded chicken before simmering.
• Substitute napa cabbage with bok choy or regular green cabbage if unavailable.
• Adjust the amount of garlic and soy sauce to suit your taste preferences.
• If you prefer a bit of spice, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes when adding the garlic.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to avoid overcooking the vegetables. This soup does not freeze well due to the texture of the cabbage.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable stock?

Yes, chicken broth can be used if you prefer a richer flavor. It will complement the cabbage and carrot nicely.

What can I do if I don’t have Shaoxing wine?

If you don’t have Shaoxing wine, substitute with dry sherry or a splash of rice vinegar mixed with a bit of sugar for a similar flavor profile.

Chinese Napa Cabbage Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 61 reviews

This comforting Chinese Napa Cabbage Soup is a light and flavorful broth-based dish featuring tender napa cabbage, sweet carrots, and fragrant garlic. Enhanced with classic Chinese seasonings like soy sauce, shaoxing wine, and toasted sesame oil, this soup is perfect as a starter or a light meal, delivering both nourishment and simplicity in every warm bowl.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Chinese
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 large leaves napa cabbage, sliced into 2-inch pieces (about 0.5 lb/250 g)
• 1 medium carrot, sliced

Liquids & Seasonings

• 4 cups vegetable stock
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon shaoxing wine
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon neutral oil (for sautéing)

Instructions

1. Heat the Oil and Garlic: Heat about 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Once heated, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
2. Add Vegetables and Broth: Add the sliced napa cabbage and carrot to the pot, then pour in the 4 cups of vegetable stock. Bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Simmer the Soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened.
4. Finish the Soup: Remove the pot from heat, then stir in the soy sauce, shaoxing wine, and sesame oil. Taste the soup and add more soy sauce if desired for seasoning.
5. Serve Warm: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve while warm, enjoying the delicate flavors and nourishing ingredients.

Notes

• For a richer flavor, use homemade vegetable stock or low-sodium broth to control salt levels.
• ShaoXing wine can be substituted with dry sherry if unavailable.
• Adjust soy sauce quantity to taste, especially if using salted broth.
• To make this soup vegan, ensure the vegetable stock is free from animal products.
• Adding fresh ginger or scallions can enhance the aromatic profile.

Keywords: Chinese soup, Napa cabbage soup, vegetarian soup, easy soup recipe, light Chinese soup, vegetable soup, vegan Chinese recipe